Pietersen could get $4mn IPL contract

Kevin Pietersen is set to receive an IPL contract in excess of $4 million according to a report in the Daily Mail.

One of the wealthiest families in India, with links to one of the IPL franchisee want the English batsman 'at any price' and the ECB are likely to give him the go ahead.

"I am disappointed and irritated that England players have been stopped going so far," he said. "And I definitely want to go next year."

The ECB proposed a five-match series along with an all-star Caribbean team courtesy Allen Stanford but such are the riches on offer that it would be difficult to prevent Pietersen from playing in the IPL.

The final decision on centrally contracted players playing in the Indian Domestic League will be taken by coach Peter Moores.

That means the Hampshire batsman is likely to head to India virtually as soon as England return from their tour of the West Indies at the start of next April and play in the IPL for three weeks to a month before returning to prepare for the T20 WC tournament in England, followed by the all important Ashes.

The ECB are concerned that players might be injured in other tournaments before the Australians arrive and will back Moores' judgment should he decide that any individuals must rest ahead of the Ashes.